Saturn or DC Import Systems NEW??

[neogamer]

How hard is it to find a BRAND NEW IMPORT Saturn or Dreamcast system?

Anyone know where I can get them???

Thanks again.

[fahlim003]

Try Japan, otherwise you might be looking for a while.

I don't much see the problem with a used system considering they've both been out of production for a number years, that's probably your only safe bet (cheaper too).

[neogamer]

Try Japan, otherwise you might be looking for a while.

I don't much see the problem with a used system considering they've both been out of production for a number years, that's probably your only safe bet (cheaper too).

Can I get one in MINT condition though???

Anyone???

[kazuo]

Can I get one in MINT condition though???

Anyone???

You're kidding.. right?

Japan is like the land of mint condition used stuffs.

[XxHennersXx]

You're kidding.. right?

Japan is like the land of mint condition used stuffs.

yeah i bought a mint condition AV famicom. It seemed brand new.

[Japan-Games.com]

I have a new Saturn coming in. You can send me a PM to discuss it if you'd like. I can probably also get a new Dreamcast.

[neogamer]

You're kidding.. right?

Japan is like the land of mint condition used stuffs.

I know this! I shop there when I am there on business. My problem is that my company is not sending me there in the near future so I am looking for an alternative!

[neogamer]

I know this! I shop there when I am there on business. My problem is that my company is not sending me there in the near future so I am looking for an alternative!

I have gotten some used Japanese consoles off of eBay that were owned by US gamers.

Believe me, these were far from MINT!

I posted about this (somewhat) in the thread titled Japanese vs. US Gamers in the Classic Gaming Forum.

I love Japan and the culture, but right now, I can't get there.

So, my only option is to by used and hope for the best if I can't get a new unit.

I have been disappointed by what I am finding. Once a US gamer gets his hands on it (and yes, I am an American), it's usually no longer kept in mint condition. It's sad really!

[smork]

I've seen a couple of brand new DCs lately. Haven't seen a new Saturn in a while.

[neogamer]

I've seen a couple of brand new DCs lately. Haven't seen a new Saturn in a while.

We are talking IMPORT consoles right?

I know you can easily buy a new US Dreamcast on Ebay for around $90 shipped!

[segagamer]

If you buy the import consoles from a JPN seller on eBay, then you should be able to get them in mint condition (my V-Saturn was mint when I bought it on eBay several years ago). Sometimes, there will even be the original boxes and packaging.

[neogamer]

If you buy the import consoles from a JPN seller on eBay, then you should be able to get them in mint condition (my V-Saturn was mint when I bought it on eBay several years ago). Sometimes, there will even be the original boxes and packaging.


I have had bad experiences too with sellers in Japan who don't know how to properly "grade" their items.

When I bought my first Super Grax system, it was advertised a MINT and LIKE NEW. When I got it, it had stains on it and the controller didn;'t even work!

Finally, I was able to travel to Japan a few months later and I shipped one back for myself. That was the only way I got a MINT Super Grafx system.

Too many bad experiences on eBay...

it seems everyone thinks they have something mint, when in fact, half the time it only qualifies as excellent, at best!

[neogamer]

I have had bad experiences too with sellers in Japan who don't know how to properly "grade" their items.

When I bought my first Super Grax system, it was advertised a MINT and LIKE NEW. When I got it, it had stains on it and the controller didn;'t even work!

Finally, I was able to travel to Japan a few months later and I shipped one back for myself. That was the only way I got a MINT Super Grafx system.

Too many bad experiences on eBay...

it seems everyone thinks they have something mint, when in fact, half the time it only qualifies as excellent, at best!

That being said:

Do you happen to know any good Japanese ebay sellers?

[Japan-Games.com]

Let's play a little game...

How would you describe this system? It's in good working order, so how does the condition look to you?

http://www.japan-games.com/eBayPictures/PCFXOld3.jpg

I'll tell you what I wrote after.

[neogamer]

Let's play a little game...

How would you describe this system? It's in good working order, so how does the condition look to you?

http://www.japan-games.com/eBayPictures/PCFXOld3.jpg

I'll tell you what I wrote after.


I can't see it that well without enlarging it, but I already see some scratches on the unit itself! This automatically disqualifies it from my collection!

That is how anal I am.

Now do you understand why I travel to Japan to get my stuff?

I will of course, let you reply.

I could call this system good at best, may be fair. Without a box, excellent, in my opinion goes right out the window!

I already bought a US system from Best Buy and returned it because it had dust on it! Good luck getting me as a customer, if you want me as one...

[smork]

We are talking IMPORT consoles right?

I know you can easily buy a new US Dreamcast on Ebay for around $90 shipped!


Yes, we're talking new. You can't easily get an import DC for US$90, try double. At least from what I have seen.

[smork]

Let's play a little game...

How would you describe this system? It's in good working order, so how does the condition look to you?

http://www.japan-games.com/eBayPictures/PCFXOld3.jpg

I'll tell you what I wrote after.

Not good at all, actually. Looks like a bargain system. From that picture it looks a bit beat up.

For me to buy a beat up, unboxed system it better be cheap as hell. In the case of that PC-FX i'd say, 2000, 2500yen tops? I've seen them boxed and well cared for for around 5000-6000yen...

[Japan-Games.com]

Most people can't buy them in yen. What do you think it's worth on eBay?

[Japan-Games.com]

Sorry, please delete this message.

[Japan-Games.com]

I can't see it that well without enlarging it, but I already see some scratches on the unit itself! This automatically disqualifies it from my collection!

That is how anal I am.

Now do you understand why I travel to Japan to get my stuff?

I will of course, let you reply.

I could call this system good at best, may be fair. Without a box, excellent, in my opinion goes right out the window!

I already bought a US system from Best Buy and returned it because it had dust on it! Good luck getting me as a customer, if you want me as one...

Well my point wasn't to offer you the system for purchase. I just wanted to see how many different ways people would describe it. Then I was going to give the real description to compare. The picture is typical of what you'll see on eBay.

[smork]

Most people can't buy them in yen. What do you think it's worth on eBay?

Given a bit of ebay markup i'd call it US$30-35. That's what I think it's worth, not what someone will pay for it. Honestly I have no idea what someone would pay for a PC-FX, it seems about as uncollectable as a system can be (by that I mean there's no 'buzz' for it).

Personally, if I were to buy a system off eBay it'd have to be pristine. Too much risk to buy a system in questionable condition sight unseen regardless of who's selling. Of course, I've bought a grand total of 1 system off eBay before as I like the shopping as much as the acquiring.

[neogamer]

First, a new US Dreamcast system is $90 new on eBay. A NEW Japanese Dreamcast system is on eBay right now with a price of $220 or best offer. Yes I know the difference.

To answer your question. I wouldn't even bother to buy the system pictured, so what is the point in this whole mess?

My point is simple:

I normally don't buy anything off of eBay unless it is new! If you were to add up the amount of times I have been burnt by so called reliable ebay sellers (and keep in mind I was and currently am when I find the time, a SILVER LEVEL POWER SELLER), I could of flew to Japan and back twice and bought the items off the store shelves myself (and yes, I have been to Japan multiple times, so don't ask)!

Most eBay sellers over-describe their items. It's human nature. If you are the exception, that is great, but I am sorry. I will stick to buying new only! Okay?

Just my opinion...so I don't mean to offend you. Even when I buy new, I am sometimes disappointed. NCS (import shop) knows me as the "double man". I buy two copies of every game ordered, just in case one game does not live up to my expectations. Is that crazy enough for you?

I luckily am ecentric enough that I can afford to do this, otherwise, I would require a lot of therapy-LOL. One good thing though, if a game becomes RARE, I always have at least two copies! I take collecting video games very seriously. In the future (i.e. 5-15 years down the line) I believe it will go mainstream. I don't know if import game collecting will, but I already know that a few individuals are interested in starting a third party grading company that grades video games! Condition is key, no matter what you collect!

[Japan-Games.com]

To answer your question. I wouldn't even bother to buy the system pictured, so what is the point in this whole mess?


To show that people can have completely different descriptions for the same picture. I think you kind of missed that point, sorry.

[neogamer]

To show that people can have completely different descriptions for the same picture. I think you kind of missed that point, sorry.

Actually I think you did and that was my point! I know what you were trying to do, but it was pointless, just trust me, pointless!

It's not you, it's the way I am and what I buy!

but I do thank you anyway....

Second, if you go back and read my other posts, I already answered your question about the condition of this item! I am not happy with it and would rate it in fair to good at best (i.e. a 5 on 1-10 scale), or a C- on a scale of A-F.

[Japan-Games.com]

You mentioned that too often Sellers don't properly describe their items. That's what I was responding to. If you're not interested in that part of the discussion then you really don't have to respond. My point was opened up to everyone in the thread.

Here's the description:

"This is a used PC-FX machine from Japan. It's been tested and is in good working order. This machine has a lot of marks/scuffs/discoloration that can't be seen well in a picture. It's not a console for someone who wants good looking systems. It is a console for someone who wants a PC-FX just to play around on for the cheapest possible price."

Without language like the above a Buyer (not necessarily any buyer here) could be duped into purchasing the system thinking it looks OK from the picture. They'd be pretty surprised to see it in real life. The price is $59, about half of what an unboxed PC-FX consoles sell for.

Like I said....slightly downgrading the item in the description is the best way to avoid confusion between Buyer and Seller.

[smork]

Without language like the above a Buyer (not necessarily any buyer here) could be duped into purchasing the system thinking it looks OK from the picture. They'd be pretty surprised to see it in real life. The price is $59, about half of what an unboxed PC-FX consoles sell for.

Zoiks! People will pay $120 for an unboxed PC-FX? Plus, what, $50 shipping or so?

No offense, you seem like quite a reputable seller, but that's pretty crazy. Not crazy you're saying it, crazy someone will buy it. Don't people know the real value of things?

It's nice to hear a seller downgrade an item and be honest about its condition, though.

[neogamer]

You mentioned that too often Sellers don't properly describe their items. That's what I was responding to. If you're not interested in that part of the discussion then you really don't have to respond. My point was opened up to everyone in the thread.

Here's the description:

"This is a used PC-FX machine from Japan. It's been tested and is in good working order. This machine has a lot of marks/scuffs/discoloration that can't be seen well in a picture. It's not a console for someone who wants good looking systems. It is a console for someone who wants a PC-FX just to play around on for the cheapest possible price."

Without language like the above a Buyer (not necessarily any buyer here) could be duped into purchasing the system thinking it looks OK from the picture. They'd be pretty surprised to see it in real life. The price is $59, about half of what an unboxed PC-FX consoles sell for.

Like I said....slightly downgrading the item in the description is the best way to avoid confusion between Buyer and Seller.

Once again, I appreciate it, but I have my own way of doing business and the like. The other buyer is correct, you still have to add shipping into the picture, making that item totally over-priced!

At any rate, no hard feelings, okay? Like I said, it's more the way I am and what I expect, than anything to do with you! Okay?

[neogamer]

Zoiks! People will pay $120 for an unboxed PC-FX? Plus, what, $50 shipping or so?

No offense, you seem like quite a reputable seller, but that's pretty crazy. Not crazy you're saying it, crazy someone will buy it. Don't people know the real value of things?

It's nice to hear a seller downgrade an item and be honest about its condition, though.

Agreed. Most people don't even bother to look at the shipping charge first unfortunately. A lot of Japanese sellers tell me that they have a lot of non-paying buyers because people are too "stupid" to look at where the item is located before bidding!

You are right about the seller downgrading the condition though. Still, I would like to see how he grades a MINT system, not a used one. That is too easy!

[Japan-Games.com]

At any rate, no hard feelings, okay? Like I said, it's more the way I am and what I expect, than anything to do with you! Okay?

heh OK at this point I think you're messing with me...

[Japan-Games.com]

No offense, you seem like quite a reputable seller, but that's pretty crazy. Not crazy you're saying it, crazy someone will buy it. Don't people know the real value of things?

What's the real value of a used PC-FX with bad cosmetics?

[neogamer]

heh OK at this point I think you're messing with me...

Not my intent, but whatever...

[Japan-Games.com]

So how do you keep all of your stuff mint? I figure you probably have a process for that.

[smork]

What's the real value of a used PC-FX with bad cosmetics?

As I said, $30 + shipping seems about right.

Find a beat up but working one, unboxed in a Japanese shop and it'll be 2000-2500yen. 　That's the real value. The fact that a reseller makes a commision for selling it and marks it up a bit doesn't change that it's worth what it sells normally in a shop in Japan (it's country of origin). You and I both know that no box and bad cosmetics drops at least 50% off the value of a console in Japan, if not more. Hell, I got my working, boxed Turbo Duo R from an out of the way shop in Japan for 2000yen. Why? Because it was beat to shit.

It's like Super Potato selling US Atari carts for 5000+ yen. That may be the going rate in Japan, but that sure ain't what they're worth.

[neogamer]

So how do you keep all of your stuff mint? I figure you probably have a process for that.

PS2, Xbox and GameCube games are placed in protective resealable sleeves. Given that I only buy new items all my games are COMPLETE! These sleeves are available on eBay and from a company called Bags Unlimited, Inc.

After that process the PS2,Xbox, Wii games are stacked in a pile of 6 (all in alphabetical order of course). The pile is then wrapped in bubble wrap for ultimate protection and sealed with tape. This "bundle" of 6 games will then be placed in a Sterlite mini medium storage container.

The process is the same for GameCube games, but they are stacked in a pile of 5 as they are a little thicker.

After the games are in medium Sterlite storage containers, they are packed with packing peanuts to prevent movement or any type of damage. The Sterlite cases are then placed into larger RUBBERMAID cases (usually 32-70 qt.) and are packed with packing peanuts.

They then get taken to one of two of my CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS. This is very important, as humidity and the like will destroy any type of collectible! The collection is also insured of course by the COLLECTIBLES INSURANCE AGENCY.

Any more questions? I take collecting very seriously! You should hear how I pack PS1, Dreamcast, Saturn, PC Engine, and other types of games!

[neogamer]

As I said, $30 + shipping seems about right.

Find a beat up but working one, unboxed in a Japanese shop and it'll be 2000-2500yen. 　That's the real value. The fact that a reseller makes a commision for selling it and marks it up a bit doesn't change that it's worth what it sells normally in a shop in Japan (it's country of origin). You and I both know that no box and bad cosmetics drops at least 50% off the value of a console in Japan, if not more. Hell, I got my working, boxed Turbo Duo R from an out of the way shop in Japan for 2000yen. Why? Because it was beat to shit.

It's like Super Potato selling US Atari carts for 5000+ yen. That may be the going rate in Japan, but that sure ain't what they're worth.

I agree with you 100%! Been to Japan several times and you do pay for MINT items, but it is truly worth it! However, if you don't care about condition you can get some great deals. You are right on about the price of that PC-FX system!

[Japan-Games.com]

The fact that a reseller makes a commision for selling it and marks it up a bit doesn't change that it's worth what it sells normally in a shop in Japan (it's country of origin).

You seem to be saying that an item's worth is the cheapest price it can be bought for in its country of origin?

[Japan-Games.com]

PS2, Xbox and GameCube games are placed in protective resealable sleeves. Given that I only buy new items all my games are COMPLETE! These sleeves are available on eBay and from a company called Bags Unlimited, Inc.

You said something about buying 2 copies of games? Does the better one go into storage and the other one is used?

[neogamer]

You said something about buying 2 copies of games? Does the better one go into storage and the other one is used?

Generally yes. Other times, I play the one that is in lesser condition or sell it outright. PS2 and Xbox games suffer from "shaking manual syndrome." This causes wear to the manual. I generally try to find a copy of the game with the best condition manual possible. To do this, you generally have to buy two copies. Luckily I can afford to be this ecentric.

Also, in order to get original Sony Playstation 2 game cases you have to buy additional games! Sony does not sell NEW MINT cases outright! This is sad, but true! So I just buy more games, usually duplicates!

Just because something is BRAND NEW does not always mean it is in MINT condition! Factory flaws do exist! I don't buy systems with dented corners, etc. I passed on a Wii system the day of its release because the outer box was damaged and the store only had one left! It took me four days and ten stores to settle on my PS3! Found a MINT right out of the case PS3 at Toys R Us (they just got a shipment in)! Got lucky!

Sometimes I do collect multiple copies of games. This happens when I believe a game will go up in value. I bought multiple (meaning more than 2) copies of most Dreamcast games for this reason.

Now do you understand? In other collecting fields condition is everything, yet when I try to explain this to some video game collectors they don't seem to get it! I take it to the extreme, this I admit, but CONDITION IS PARAMOUNT!

Wait until third party grading enters video game collecting and this hobby goes mainstream...

those who understand condition will profit highly. Though I doubt import games will ever reach the masses. It will always be a niche market just do to the fact that it is not readily available...meaning the barrier of entry is not one that most gamers wish to pursue. I do promote import gaming any chance I get!

BTW: Believe it or not, we have done business in the past (many years ago, I believe on eBay).

[kazuo]

You seem to be saying that an item's worth is the cheapest price it can be bought for in its country of origin?

+1. That assertion is absurd.

Why don't you just spend $500 on a plane ticket to go buy that beat-up PC-FX for 2000 yen at parts-off? Cause it's NOT WORTH IT.

Hence, you pay the markup.

Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. No more, no less.

A breif glance at this will support this point: http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?GetResult&sacat=-1&ftrt=1&coaction=compare&fsop=1&_trksid=m37&sadis=200&from=R10&sargn=-1&sofocus=so&copagenum=1&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&saprclo=&sabfmts=1&fis=2&sbrftog=1&saobfmts=insif&satitle=PC-FX&saprchi=&coentrypage=search&ftrv=1&guest=1

PC-FX consoles are worth a little more than $20, even with a few nicks.

[neogamer]

You know I just realised how far off topic this thread has become!

Now to my original question:

Does anyone know where I can find a NEW or MINT IN BOX LIKE NEW Sega Saturn Import or Sega Dreamcast Import system (also new or mint in the box)?

[smork]

You seem to be saying that an item's worth is the cheapest price it can be bought for in its country of origin?

No, I'm saying it's worth what one might normally expect to find it for in its country of origin given its condition. That's different than what it might sell for on eBay -- which isn't what you were asking.

Old consoles in poor cosmetic condition always sell for a low price in Japan. The fact that someone in France or Canada will pay alot more for something off eBay doesn't change its actual value, it just changes the price. Look at the values listed in the Rarity Guide -- almost every price in there is lower than what one normally pays on eBay.

This is a pretty asinine discussion anyway. Obviously you can sell items in that condition for a higher price than what I think they're worth, so what does it matter what I think?

[smork]

+1. That assertion is absurd.

Why don't you just spend $500 on a plane ticket to go buy that beat-up PC-FX for 2000 yen at parts-off? Cause it's NOT WORTH IT.

Hence, you pay the markup.

Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. No more, no less.

You realize that not all of us live a $500 ticket away from Japan and can pop into Hard-Off (or what have you) when we feel like it, right? Of course it's not worth it to spend $500 to save $100, just like a Japanese person might think it's worth it to buy an Odyssey 2 for 15000yen instead of flying to the US and digging through junk shops for one.

What something sells for on eBay is not a very accurate reflection of its actual value, just the value to that buyer/seller combination at that time.

[Japan-Games.com]

That's fine, we can just agree to disagree. You're right that it really doesn't matter who's right or wrong. Nothing will change anyway...heh

[Japan-Games.com]

"BTW: Believe it or not, we have done business in the past (many years ago, I believe on eBay)."

Really? May I ask what you bought?

[neogamer]

"BTW: Believe it or not, we have done business in the past (many years ago, I believe on eBay)."

Really? May I ask what you bought?

I assume your talking to me and not him, finally???

Is this thread "back on track" yet, or do you and him just want to argue?

Honestly, it was years ago, and my video game collection is worth over $55,000 now. I would have to go through a ton of paperwork, but I do believe it was either a Super Grafx system or a PC Engine Turbo Duo-one or the other. Of course, back then I was also buying massive amounts of Neo Geo CD items as well!




At this point, I just wish this thread would be closed!

Now once again, before I alert the moderator: Does anyone know where I can buy a new or mint in the box Sega Saturn or Sega DC import system-that is the point of this entire thread? Please no gimmicks, etc. Just facts and I will gladly thank you!

[smork]

Now once again, before I alert the moderator: Does anyone know where I can buy a new or mint in the box Sega Saturn or Sega DC import system-that is the point of this entire thread? Please no gimmicks, etc. Just facts and I will gladly thank you!

A shop I occasionally frequent has two NIB Dreamcasts, selling for ~$200 each. One is a US model and the other is NTSC/J (Asian) model. They're a general electronics shop and not a game shop, and I'm pretty sure they've had them on their shelves for at least 6 or 7 years.

Not online, though, so I don't think it helps you much. You see some of the LE DC's for sale online NIB now and then, I seem to see the Sakura Taisen one pop up (relatively) frequently.

Not sure about the Saturns, most boxed Saturns I've seen in Japan are mint by my standards.

[neogamer]

A shop I occasionally frequent has two NIB Dreamcasts, selling for ~$200 each. One is a US model and the other is NTSC/J (Asian) model. They're a general electronics shop and not a game shop, and I'm pretty sure they've had them on their shelves for at least 6 or 7 years.

Not online, though, so I don't think it helps you much. You see some of the LE DC's for sale online NIB now and then, I seem to see the Sakura Taisen one pop up (relatively) frequently.

Not sure about the Saturns, most boxed Saturns I've seen in Japan are mint by my standards.

Thank you very much! I will keep my eyes open on eBay then, as I guess that may be the only way I can get one new.

[tritium]

I can't tell whats wrong with the picture.